Innocence

This morning, while waiting for the school bus, I decided to have a little chat with my son about Rosa Parks. I thought I could use her death as an opportunity to teach LittleJuJu a little about our American history. As far as I can tell, he is blissfully unaware of the goings on in this world before he was born, before I was born and before even his grandparents were born. I wanted to help him understand things, but he didn't understand. I don't blame him. How can such a story be understood?

Before I even got halfway through the tale of this brave woman, as I discussed the rules concerning African Americans ("don't know why they call them 'black' people, Mama because they aren't black. Their skin is maybe more of a brown color") and the way they had to use separate bathrooms and sit only at the rear of the bus, my son stopped me and said:

"That is definitely the stupidest rule I have ever heard, so stupid."

I hear you, baby. I'm also so damn proud of you.

Comments

[The Greatest Aunt]

YEA! for you. One more step towards a better future for our kids.

[heather]

GOOD FOR YOU for teaching him about Rosa Parks - and history! He won't get into that in school for years to come, so you should be very proud that he listened, understood and empathized. He's such a sharp kid, sharp-mind, sharply dressed! ;-)

xo heather

[Amanda]

Good for you! I played Rosa Parks in our 3rd grade play- my claim to fame!

[Tammy]

Whoa- is that a P-coat that kid is wearing? Way cool!
Now onto the Rosa Parks story, I felt such a deep sadness this morning when I heard this! But my second thought was how proud she must have been to know that kids in school are learning about and have been for quite a few years! This comes on the heels of just read (listened to) the book Cain River- EXCELLANT book about slavery and family! Highly recommended!!!! How BRAVE of a woman Rosa must have been! And how lucky your son is to have a Mother that thought enough to bring this up to him! Keep up the good work!
Is that little one sleeping yet?

[JoJo]

God bless Lil JuJu and his innocence, and as I said to another small child last night, he will be one of the ones who can make a differece in the future with that way of thinking!!!

Hugs to all

[Chris]

Definitely something to be proud of Jenny. You done good!

[Isabel]

I hope there are more parents out there teaching their children the same thing. It will take us all to make the World a better place.

[Mom]

Thank you for having that talk with my Grandson. Just Thank you.